Bad Bunny, the acclaimed global music star, utilized his Grammy acceptance speech to deliver a succinct message about immigration enforcement. As he accepted the Album of the Year honor (alongside two other awards) at the 68th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 1, 2026, he told the audience, “ICE out.”
The 31-year-old Puerto Rican artist, whose birth name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, was applauded by the illustrious crowd after his statement. His comments came during the Trump administration’s intensified efforts to curb illegal immigration. His speech was one of the most politically charged moments of the night at the ceremony, which was hosted by comedian Trevor Noah.
Bad Bunny did not perform at the event. He did not schedule any U.S. stops for his latest world tour, but he had a residency in Puerto Rico from July 11 to September 20. He is performing at the Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday, February 8.
The star’s remarks referred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the federal agency tasked with immigration enforcement. His Grammy speech is the latest in a series of public statements he has made about immigration policy and the actions of ICE.
The immigration enforcement operations during Trump’s second term have been under severe scrutiny following several incidents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, including the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Good. The Minneapolis area has come into focus due to immigration enforcement activities and protests against federal operations.
In Columbia Heights, Minnesota, a five-year-old named Liam Conejo Ramos and his father were detained by ICE agents. They were later released from an ICE facility in Texas after nationwide outcry. In the aftermath, schools in the Columbia Heights School District closed on Monday, February 2, 2026, due to bomb threats.
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrests of Ian Davis Austin and Jerome Deangelo Richardson in connection with a church protest at a St. Paul, Minnesota church on January 18. They joined others who have been charged in the incident, including former CNN-Host Don Lemon.
During the 2024 election, Bad Bunny publicly supported former Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, over Donald Trump.
Bad Bunny has consistently leveraged his influence to address immigration issues and advocate for Latino communities. His activism extends beyond his music to political issues impacting Puerto Ricans and other Hispanic Americans. His Grammy speech, delivered to his millions of followers across social media platforms, was broadcast globally during one of music’s most prestigious events.
Immigration enforcement has become a cornerstone of Trump’s second term. The administration has broadened ICE operations throughout the country, leading to an uptick in detentions and deportations. This has sparked protests, debates over sanctuary cities, and legal challenges from civil rights organizations.
The Grammy Awards provided Bad Bunny with a prominent stage to deliver his message. Historically, award shows have served as platforms for artists to make political statements, from singer Marvin Gaye’s Vietnam War-era performances to Beyoncé’s Super Bowl show themed around Black Lives Matter. Bad Bunny’s concise yet impactful commentary continued this tradition of utilizing entertainment industry platforms to address societal and political issues.
In addition to Album of the Year, Bad Bunny also took home Grammys for Best Música Urbana Album and Best Global Music Performance, further expanding his impressive repertoire of awards. These categories recognize urban Latin music, including reggaeton, Latin trap, and other genres that have witnessed a surge in global popularity in recent years. His album’s triumph underscores the ongoing mainstream acceptance of Spanish-language music in the U.S. market.
As he gears up for his Super Bowl halftime show performance, his Grammy speech has already sparked widespread discussion. The short yet potent statement underscored escalating tensions over immigration policy, showcasing how musicians continue to use high-profile platforms to broadcast political messages to vast audiences.
